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Pope Benedict XVI resigns: Key facts and what happens now

By Julie Westfall

Digital First Media

Posted:
02/11/2013 05:46:51 AM MST

Pope Benedict XVI has become the first pope to resign since 1415, and likely the first pope ever to resign citing health reasons and advancing age, though Catholic law has always provided for a resignation from the pope that was "freely made and properly manifested." Here's a breakdown of what likely comes next in this unprecedented situation.

Pope Benedict XVI resigns: Key facts and what happens now

Pope Benedict XVI (AP)Pope Benedict XVI has become the first pope to resign since 1415, and likely the first pope ever to resign citing health reasons and advancing age, though Catholic law has always provided for a resignation from the pope that was "freely made and properly manifested." Here's a breakdown of what likely comes next in this unprecedented situation.The contenders to replace himAccording to AP, they include Cardinal Angelo Scola, archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, the archbishop of ...

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